Drainage of Pus

General or Other | Dermatology | Drainage of Pus (Symptom)


Description

A skin abscess is a pus-filled area of infection below the skin, for example a boil. It can vary in size from less than one inch to several inches. A skin abscess is painful and tender to touch. The skin may also look red and feel warm.

A skin abscess may burst through the skin or gradually subside without bursting. The infection can spread to the surrounding areas of the skin (cellulitis). The person having this kind of infection may feel unwell and have fever. Skin abscesses are commonly found on areas where there is hair including the face, neck, groin, armpit and bottom. You are more likely to get a skin abscess if you are obese, or have a skin condition or diabetes.

Drainage of pus is a typical consequence of a bacterial infection. Bacterial infection can either be localized, such as an infection of a small cut or wound in the skin, or it may spread to involve larger areas of the body. A number of different infections can cause small bumps or nodules that may drain pus. Infections of the genital tract or urinary tract may cause drainage of pus in the urine or vagina in women. When bacteria enter the bloodstream, a potentially life-threatening condition known as sepsis (blood poisoning) is the result. In addition to drainage of pus, other signs of a bacterial infection include swelling, warmth to touch, redness, and pain or sensitivity of the involved area.

Causes

There are many causes of boils. Some boils can be caused by an ingrown hair. Others can form as the result of a splinter or other foreign material that has become lodged in the skin. Others boils, such as those of acne, are caused by plugged sweat glands that become infected.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Antibiotic drugs, antifungal drugs, or amoebic ides are usually prescribed as appropriate.

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